Swedish Farms Research Articles

The learning processes among employees in Swedish milk production: potentials to implement reflective learning

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the learning processes among employees on large dairy farms and investigates the potential for learning and employee-driven innovation (EDI) to contribute to sustainable dairy production from the perspectives of animal welfare, social responsibility and economic aspects.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through semi-structured group interviews with employees on three large dairy farms in Sweden. The interview material was analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis and linked to theories on routinised and reflective learning at the workplace.FindingsEmployee learning on large dairy farms was strongly related to the individual’s work tasks and often took place in situations where the aim was to find a practical solution to maintain work routines. Learning in these agricultural settings was largely a social process. It was mostly based on the experiences of employees and colleagues, and focused on routinised learning rather than reflective learning.Originality/valueThis study examines the learning environment for employees on large dairy farms and suggests ways to develop reflective learning and EDI in this context. Further studies are required from both the advisor and farmer perspectives to comprehensively understand the learning dynamics in such agricultural settings, including the role of advisors and how they can contribute to reflective learning in the current context.

Farm diversification strategies and their relations to farm financial performance: evidence from Swedish agriculture

PurposeThis paper aims to provide empirical evidence of the relationship between diversification strategies in farm businesses and farm financial performance. We distinguish diversification into agricultural diversification and farm diversification into non-agricultural activities, depending on the source of farm business revenues.Design/methodology/approachWe used panel data from 2016 to 2020 for Swedish farms and estimated two-way fixed-effects models across the different farm types to control for farm-level unobserved heterogeneity and eliminate potential bias that can be caused by excluding unobserved variables that evolve over time.FindingsThe results indicate a heterogeneous relationship between agricultural and farm diversification and farm financial performance across farm types. In particular, agricultural and farm diversification are related to farm financial performance for dairy farms, and agricultural diversification is associated with farm financial performance for granivore farms. Regarding mixed, other grazing livestock and field-crop farms, we find no relationship between either type of diversification and financial performance.Originality/valueThe results are important because they highlight that farmers may not have the necessary financial incentives or financial means to adopt diversification strategies, although such strategies are considered desirable from a societal point of view, as they may contribute to positive environmental effects (agricultural diversification) and more prosperous rural areas (farm diversification). Consequently, from a policy perspective, our findings suggest that public support may be needed to strengthen farmers’ possibilities to engage in diversification activities. For farmers and their advisors, our results may also contribute to more informed decision-making regarding diversification activities.

Long-term transfer of 137Cs in sensitive agricultural environments after the Chornobyl fallout in Sweden.

In this study, the long-term transfer of 137Cs from soil to grass on Swedish farms and fields, heavily contaminated after the 1986 radioactive fallout, was investigated. The study spans over 8-14 years, beginning in June 1986, and covers various soil types and agricultural practices. The transfer of 137Cs from soil to grass was highly variable, with transfer factors ranging from 1.0×10-5 to 0.357m2kg-1. Higher values were observed on fields with sandy loam, loamy sand, and organic soils, and lower values on fields with a high clay content. The transfer of 137Cs to grass generally exhibited an exponential decline across the majority of fields over the years. The rate of decrease was most pronounced in clay loam and silty loam soils, while it was least evident in sandy loam, sandy soils, and peat soils. The soil properties and farming practices were more important for 137Cs uptake than the initial deposition density. The transfer factor had a negative correlation with soil pH, clay, and fine silt content. No significant relationships were found with other soil variables, such as soil organic matter content and plant available potassium concentration. The median effective half-life of 137Cs in the grass was 4.5 years, with a range of 2-18 years. The uptake of 137Cs by plants did not correlate with the potassium concentration in grass tissues; however, the activity concentration of 137Cs in grass correlated negatively with the potassium content in the plants grown on fields with high deposition levels.

Carbon removal potentials in agricultural systems – participatory scenario modelling with farmers in Sweden

Estimates of theoretical climate change mitigation potentials in agriculture need to be complemented with investigations of factors that influence deployment. This study introduces a framework for landscape-level assessment of climate change mitigation in agriculture that accounts for existing land uses, soil carbon stocks, and farmers’ preferences concerning specific mitigation options. The framework is used in an assessment of the deployment potentials for selected mitigation options in an agricultural landscape in Sweden, in which arable land covers approximately one-third of the land area. Three options were found to be preferable by farmers: biochar as soil amendment, cover crops, and (an increased) cultivation of ley crops in crop rotations. Cultivation of cover crops and leys was found to increase SOC stocks by 1.9 and 1.6 MgC ha−1 over three decades, respectively. About 10.2 MgC ha−1 is sequestered in soils over three decades when biochar is added as a soil amendment, if 50% of available residues are collected and utilized. This can be compared with GHG emissions from agriculture from the studied area, estimated at 1.6 Mg CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1 (GWP100). The framework was found useful for assessing mitigation options in the agriculture sector, underlining farmer involvement to identify actionable strategies.

Farmers' Financial Literacy—Scale Development and Linkages to Accounting Practices and Financial Outcomes

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the financial literacy (FL) of Swedish farmers, its linkages to farmer characteristics, management accounting practices and farm outcomes by surveying Swedish Farm Accountancy Data Network farmers. Using item response theory, we expand the existing FL measurement specifically to the farming context, assess measurement items and compare shorter and longer scales of FL. Our findings indicate high levels of FL among respondents. FL is positively associated with more extensive management accounting practices, greater farm profitability and lower cost of debt, independent of other farmer characteristics, including education, numeracy, need for cognition, and money vigilance. The findings suggest the relevance of FL as a farmer characteristic for both practices and outcomes, even when included through its shortest and more established measurement scale.

Circumstantial factors and local collaboration determine farmers' perceptions and practices on circular bioeconomy – examples from Southern Sweden

Circumstantial factors and local collaboration determine farmers' perceptions and practices on circular bioeconomy – examples from Southern Sweden

Farmers’ willingness to introduce short-rotation tree plantations on agricultural land: A case study in southern Sweden

To meet climate targets, expanding Populus spp. tree cultivation is proposed as a potential biomass feedstock, especially on agricultural land that does not come into conflict with food production. However, biomass potential assessments typically overlook landowners' perspectives, risking a gap between theoretical potentials and realisation. Here, we test empirical consequences of two hypotheses based on a survey targeting southern Swedish farmers: 1) Relying exclusively on agricultural land cover data to identify abandoned agricultural land leads to an overestimation of the total agricultural land that can be utilised for future biomass production from Populus spp. feedstocks. 2) The absence of data on farmers' intentions to cultivate fast-growing tree species on agricultural land leads to overestimation of the potential biomass supply from Populus spp. in biomass assessments. Findings suggest that less than 50 % of farmers with unsubsidised arable land, which is often assumed to be abandoned, would consider cultivating these tree species on this type of land (26 % [7–48]). Furthermore, only 11 % [6–17] would consider cultivating Populus spp. on agricultural land overall during 2021–2030, indicating a generally low level of interest among farmers. However, higher rates were observed in forested areas. The projected near-future cultivation potential of 2.0 kha [1.1–3.0] suggests an at least threefold overestimation in previous theoretical assessments. This study highlights a disparity between biophysical land data and producer perspectives, showing that neglecting farmers’ perspectives risks overestimating the biomass supply, potentially leading to misguided expectations and inefficient policies. Our findings support targeted policy recommendations.

Reverse zoonotic transmission of human seasonal influenza to a pig herd in Sweden.

In January 2023, a Swedish piglet-producing farm with 2800 sows in production (SIP) was diagnosed with IAV (Influenza A virus) and the isolates were shown to cluster with the human seasonal influenza (2022/2023). In December 2022, employees with flu like symptoms tended to the pigs and a few weeks later, respiratory signs appeared in different age groups; sows in farrowing units were anorectic and pyrectic. Lung and nasal swabs were tested positive for IAV and other respiratory infectious agents. Blanket vaccination against H1N1pdm09 of sows and gilts was initiated but discontinued for sows after 2 treatments. Biosecurity measures aiming to reduce the spread of virus were implemented. However, the compliance to follow the protocol was moderate.Combining immunity and strict sanitary measures is crucial to control virus circulation. As the farmer discontinued sow vaccination and just partly increased biosecurity, this may have contributed to ongoing virus circulation and clinical signs in pigs, even 5 months post-diagnosis. Although H1N1pdm09 already had been found in the herd in 2017, there were no clinical signs or diagnostic results indicating continuous circulation of this or other IAV strains afterwards. However, this cannot be entirely excluded. Swine IAVs pose a risk of reintroduction into the human population, highlighting the importance of vaccination of farm workers against seasonal influenza.

Enhancing infection control practices and biosecurity plans on Swedish pig farms: insights, challenges, and strategies

BackgroundAfrican swine fever (ASF) poses a threat to the global pig industry, leading to significant economic losses and widespread disruptions in pig farming and associated sectors. In September 2023, the first case of ASF in Swedish wild boar triggered immediate responses from authorities, including the establishment of restricted zones and culling measures. A new ASF certification programme for pig herds was initiated to improve biosecurity and proactive disease management. This survey aimed to assess the sentiments and actions of Swedish pig farmers six months post-outbreak, particularly regarding biosecurity measures. Such information is important to improve preparedness for future disease threats. A questionnaire was distributed to members of the Swedish pig producers' organisation.ResultsA total of 113 farmers responded (response rate 27%), with the majority considering the risk of ASF reappearing in Sweden as high. The estimated cost for connecting the farms to the ASF certification programme varied greatly, with a majority identifying cost as a substantial hurdle. While many farmers sought biosecurity advice from veterinarians, 43% had not implemented suggested measures. Over one third had not received concrete measures that would fit their farms, and 14% had not received any biosecurity advice from veterinarians at all. Discussions among farmers emphasized concerns about ASF outbreaks, transmission mechanisms, and regulatory compliance, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and knowledge exchange to address the challenges posed by ASF effectively. Additionally, participants also mentioned the role of dense wild boar populations and shortcomings in municipal food waste management as important risk factors.ConclusionsThe responding farmers expressed widespread concern about new ASF outbreaks. A majority identified cost as a substantial hurdle for joining the ASF certification programme. While many farmers consulted veterinarians for advice on biosecurity, a significant number had yet to implement suggested measures and one third had not received specific guidance suitable for their farms. Stakeholder conversations highlighted concerns about ASF outbreaks, transmission, and compliance. They also discussed the role of dense wild boar populations and issues with municipal food waste management as significant risk factors for ASF.

Multiple factors shape social contacts in dairy cows

Multiple factors shape social contacts in dairy cows

Technology and Gender in Swedish Agriculture

Technology and Gender in Swedish Agriculture

Occurrence of fenbendazole resistance in Parascaris spp. on breeding farms in Sweden

Anthelmintic resistance is an increasing problem in many gastrointestinal parasites of grazing animals. Among these, the equine roundworm, Parascaris spp., has developed wide-spread resistance to macrocyclic lactones over the past decades. Additionally, there are recent observations of emerging treatment failure of both tetrahydropyrimidine and fenbendazole. Therefore, the aims of this study were to further investigate the occurrence of fenbendazole resistance on breeding farms and to explore potential management-related risk factors associated with resistance in Parascaris spp. in Sweden. Eleven farms with 92 foals positive for Parascaris spp. were included in a faecal egg count reduction test during the years 2021–2023. According to the clinical protocol of the guidelines of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, fenbendazole resistance was present on four farms with efficacies varying from 45 % to 96 %. Having previously reported reduced efficacy on one of these farms, we can now confirm that fenbendazole resistance in Parascaris spp. has established. Farms with more than 40 yearly born foals had a significantly higher probability of having resistant Parascaris spp. Populations compared with smaller farms, (generalized linear model (GLM), t = 70.39, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a correlation between the number of foals on the farm and the frequency of yearly treatments showing that farms with < 20 foals were notably inclined to administer treatments twice during the first year (GLM, t=2.76, p < 0.05) in contrast to larger farms with > 40 foals that were using more frequent treatment intervals. In conclusion, this study confirms the establishment of fenbendazole resistance in Parascaris spp. populations on Swedish stud farms with the number of foals on the farm identified as a risk factor for development of anthelmintic resistance.

Trueperella Pyogenes-Strain Diversity and Occurrence in Dairy Herds.

Trueperella (T.) pyogenes is a mastitis-causing pathogen formerly known to cause severe clinical mastitis (CM), especially during the summer, leading to milk losses and low recovery rates. Unfortunately, its transmission behavior within herds is unclear. The diversity and occurrence of T. pyogenes were monitored to gain an initial insight into the infection transmission behavior of T. pyogenes in dairy herds and to lay a foundation for following targeted investigations. CM milk samples were collected from German herds, and one Swedish farm was sampled for isolates from subclinical mastitis. All in all, 151 T. pyogenes isolates from 16 herds were isolated, identified by MALDI TOF analysis and typed with RAPD PCR. Of these, 17 isolates originated from subclinical mastitis cases. We found that T. pyogenes mastitis occurred year-round, and clinical mastitis cases were caused by multiple strains (31 affected animals/28 strains). Instances of multiple cows being infected with the same T. pyogenes strain were rare and typically only involved a small number of animals at a time. However, if several quarters of a cow were affected, it was likely the same strain. Unlike clinical infections, subclinical T. pyogenes infections, in one investigated farm, harbored a dominant strain. Additionally, we found that T. pyogenes infections tended to persist and stay within a herd for a minimum of 7 months in the same or different cows.

Swedish farmers' approval of nudges

AbstractInterest in the use of behavioral policy approaches, such as nudges, has strongly increased over the past years, including in the domains of food, agricultural and environmental policies. While the approval of nudges among the general public has been studied extensively, we know little about the attitude of farmers toward nudging. Farmers may (perceive to) be affected directly by food and agriculture nudges, which may result in different approval as compared to citizens. Moreover, given the increased interest in the use of nudges targeting farm behavior, it is relevant to know their attitude toward these policies. In an online survey, 342 Swedish farmers indicated their approval or disapproval of the same nudging policies that have been investigated in earlier studies with citizens. We find that, overall and over all areas covered, farmers have remarkably lower approval rates of nudging policies than the general public. While this may be partially explained by their socioeconomic profiles, also the connection of some nudges with farming activities may explain their different opinion. We find that farmers with a “green” orientation are generally more favorable, especially so for “green” nudges. [EconLit Citations: Q18, D03].

Understanding dairy farmers' trade‐offs between environmental, social and economic sustainability attributes in feeding systems: The role of farmers' identities

AbstractThere is scope for improving the sustainability of intensive dairy farms through the uptake of sustainable production practices such as more grass‐based feeding systems. Such feeding systems can reduce feed‐food competition and the environmental impacts of feed production, among other farm‐level and societal benefits. However, empirical research on how farmers' feed choices mis(align) with sustainability transitions and the associated drivers is limited. This paper explores the trade‐offs that farmers make between the environmental, social and economic sustainability impacts of grass‐based feeding systems based on data from Swedish dairy farmers. Using an identity‐based utility framework and a hybrid latent class model, we find substantial heterogeneity in dairy farmers' trade‐offs between feed‐related sustainability attributes: greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, animal welfare, feed self‐sufficiency, feed cost and milk yield. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that farmers who are strongly interested in the environmental and social sustainability impacts of their dairy feeding systems, beyond economic gains, are motivated mainly by their pro‐environmental and pro‐social identities. Overall, our findings imply that identity‐enhancing interventions are promising policy instruments for encouraging the uptake of more grass‐based feeding systems.

Comparisons of recycled manure solids and wood shavings/sawdust as bedding material—Implications for animal welfare, herd health, milk quality, and bedding costs in Swedish dairy herds

Increasing shortages and costs of common bedding materials have led dairy farmers in Sweden to consider using recycled manure solids (RMS), which are readily available and low cost, as an alternative bedding material. The main risks are effects on udder health and milk quality, but RMS could also affect animal welfare and claw health. The advantages and disadvantages of using RMS bedding have not been fully investigated, and findings in other countries cannot be directly applied to Swedish conditions and climate. This observational cross-sectional study investigated the use of RMS as bedding, regarding associations with certain aspects of animal welfare, herd health, milk quality, and bedding costs in Swedish dairy herds. Thirty-four dairy farms using RMS or wood shavings/sawdust (each n = 17) were compared. Each farm was visited 2 times during the housing period from 2020 to 2021, once from October to December and once from March to May. Dairy barns were observed, animal welfare was assessed, and freestall dimensions were measured. Farm owners were interviewed about housing system characteristics, herd performance, and herd management. Data on milk production and herd health were obtained from the Swedish official milk recording scheme for the indoor period from October to March. The prevalence of claw disorders and abnormal claw conformation were collected from the national claw health database for the period from October to May. On each farm visit, composite samples of unused bedding outside the barn and used bedding material from the freestalls, respectively, were taken for total bacterial count and DM analysis. Samples of bulk tank milk for determination of total bacterial count were taken in connection to the visits. In addition, samples of unused and used bedding material and manure from alleys for analysis of 3 Treponema species associated with digital dermatitis (DD) were gathered and analyzed. Total bacterial count was significantly higher in unused (8.50 log10 cfu/g) and used RMS bedding (9.75 log10 cfu/g) than in wood shavings/sawdust (used 4.74; unused 8.63 log10 cfu/g), but there were no significant differences in bulk milk total bacterial count (median 4.07 vs. 3.89 log10 cfu/mL) or SCC (median 243,800 vs. 229,200 cells/mL). The aspects of animal welfare assessed did not differ significantly between the 2 bedding systems, whereas the prevalence of total claw disorders (25.9% vs. 38.0% of trimmed cows), dermatitis (6.9% vs. 16.2% of trimmed cows) and sole ulcers (2.0% vs. 4.0% of trimmed cows) were significantly lower in the RMS herds. Treponema spp. were not detected in unused RMS material, but all RMS herds had presence of DD recorded at foot trimming. An economic assessment based on the interview results and price level from winter 2021 revealed that the costs of RMS bedding varied with amount of RMS produced. Thus, RMS is a potential alternative bedding material for dairy cows in Sweden and can be a profitable option for large dairy herds. However, the high level of total bacteria in the material requires attention to bedding and milking routines as well as regular monitoring of herd health.

The meaning of animal well-being for farmers and dairy farm employees

Dairy farms in Sweden have undergone a structural change. The number of family farms has decreased, while the number of large dairy farms with employees caring for the animals has increased. This changing situation has created a new farming landscape. From that perspective, it is crucial to gain insight into what factors contribute to the well-being of humans and animals on big dairy farms. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted on three farms. Farmers and employees were interviewed. The material was analysed using a qualitative approach inspired by qualitative content analysis. For the farmers and employees, animal well-being was central for various reasons and from different perspectives. Despite the differences, the impact of animal well-being was interlinked between the two groups. An increased and deeper understanding of the different perspectives and needs arising from the different roles of farmers and employees can provide new knowledge about factors important for improvinganimal well-being.

Motivation and perception of farmers on the benefits and challenges of agroforestry in Sweden (Northern Europe)

Agroforestry systems provide multiple benefits for human wellbeing and biodiversity; however, their diversity and spatial distribution has sharply declined across Europe. This study focuses on agroforestry farms in Sweden. The aim of the study was to explore farmers’ motivations to start agroforestry, what benefits farmers attributed to their agroforestry farms and perceived challenges to practising agroforestry in Sweden. In total, 13 farms that practise various agroforestry forms were selected as case studies. A focus group, semi-structured interviews and field observations were used for data collection. We identified four types of agroforestry systems such as silvopasture, silvoarable, forest farming and forest gardens established on different land such as forested or agricultural land. All studied agroforestry farms were small but had complex spatial and temporal arrangements of crops, trees and animals, which were crucial to generating multiple benefits. Our results show that the multifunctionality of agroforestry systems resulted from farmers’ desire to design such systems. Farmers’ intentions to get foods and materials from their farms were always intentionally unified with multiple ecosystem services. We argue that agroforestry farmers are designers of multifunctional landscapes, as they deliberately organised their farming activities to get a bundle of ecosystem services belonging to all four categories—provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural. However, the complexity of agroforestry management, lack of technologies suitable for small-scale agroforestry farms, limited plant materials (including seedlings) and limited knowledge about how to do agroforestry challenged the scaling up of agroforestry practices.

Iron status in piglets at three days of age and at weaning and possible seasonal effects on the blood haemoglobin levels in a Swedish outdoor pig-producing farm

BackgroundPiglets are born with limited stores of iron, and with an increasing number of live-born piglets, there may be a risk that the sows cannot provide enough iron to their offspring. The iron content in soil may not meet the demands of today’s piglet, born and reared in an outdoor setting. The study aimed to describe the blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels in pigs reared outdoors and to determine whether piglets have higher Hb levels at weaning when an iron supplement is administered intramuscularly at three days of age, as compared to pigs not given an iron supplement. The seasonal variation in Hb-levels was also to be investigated. The Hb concentration was analysed with a HemoCue 201 + Hb photometer.ResultsIn total 56 litters (399 piglets) were included in the study and sampled at three days of age, while 378 piglets were sampled at weaning. The mean Hb level at three days of age was 91 g/L (48–154 g/L). In total 47% of the piglets had Hb levels < 90 g/L at three days of age. The mean Hb level at weaning was 127 g/L (76–176 g/L), with a lower level (122 g/L) in the group given the iron supplement than in the group not given an iron supplement (132 g/L). Only 1% of the piglets had Hb levels lower than 90 g/L at weaning. Results indicative of a seasonal effect on Hb levels at three days of age was demonstrated. Piglets born in spring had significantly lower Hb levels, and piglets born in autumn had significantly higher Hb levels. No seasonal effect could be demonstrated for Hb levels at day 33.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the natural uptake from the environment was sufficient, but that there was a seasonal effect on the Hb levels at three days of age. This indicates that there might be a need for different routines regarding iron supplementation in outdoor reared piglets depending on the climate and season.

Making meat moral: A comparison of rearing and killing practices in Swedish cattle farming

AbstractTo eat or not eat meat? That has become a central sustainability question. This article zooms in on the moral sustainability of cattle farming and does so from an on‐farm perspective: through an ethnographic study of two Swedish cattle farms, we explore how rearing animals for food is made moral. The farms represent two distinct styles of farming, and discursive and non‐discursive methods are used to analyse differences in narratives and practices. We combine insights from the farming styles literature with affective and multispecies approaches to theorise farming moralities as situated, embedded and relational beliefs that pertain to practices of work. Our study demonstrates how scale and endogeneity are key factors shaping farming morality by generating different on‐farm notions of animal agency and interspecies relationships. We discuss the implications of this conclusion for a potential shift in meat practices.